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Outdoor Anathema
by Marc Hutchison

The days of making an honest deal with a verbal word and a handshake are pretty much gone. The days of an angler or hunter being harassed in the outdoors are becoming more frequent.

I can recall numerous occasions that I have had to defend my passion for the outdoors. Many times, during casual conversation, the topic of hobbies or recreational activities are discussed. When I finish describing the excitement of battling river smallmouths, the fulfillment and joy of reloading, and the blessings I receive while deer hunting, you would think from the fearful expressions that I was some outdoor outcast that should be tar and feathered!

The majority of the time I hear responses like "I had a close friend killed by a gun", or, "If we didn't have guns, then we would not have a problem with crime".....as if they are blaming me as a contributing factor to crime.

I become outraged every time I watch a news program and listen to the disillusional info and unfounded statistics that are being fed to the public. The sad news is the public has a serious case of "animism" concerning firearms. In other words, due to the media's misleading lies, the public perceives a firearm to possess an "evil soul" which can kill all by itself.

My intentions are not to preach to the choir, but to enlighten those who have never experienced the blessings of the outdoors. Secondly, do not question or judge my outdoor lifestyle. I will not stand for the liberalistic, uneducated drivel that spews from the mouth of the anti-outdoor groups. I will go to my grave fighting to preserve our freedoms and rights to hunt and fish.....I will not compromise nor surrender.

Instead of trusting what our liberal media and government want you to believe about hunting, fishing, and firearms, study the true facts for yourself. Then get with a buddy who enjoys and respects the outdoors. Have them show you the safe and responsible way to enjoy hunting, fishing, or target shooting.

Finally, if you see me on the river or in the woods, you are more than welcome to join me.....if you are carrying a "protest" sign, I will hand you a copy of this article and make you read it out loud while I continue to catch my beloved river smallies !!!

See ya on the river.....